EP1613256B1 - Retention or compression garment or undergarment - Google Patents

Abstract

Tubular (under-)article (A) that provides compression, for use alone or particularly under a compressive article and is then in direct contact with the skin of the wearer, is knitted and has at least two different mesh structures (MS). Tubular (under-)article (A) that provides compression, for use alone or particularly under a compressive article and then in direct contact with the skin of the wearer, is knitted and has at least two different mesh structures (MS). The first MS covers a region from the toe end to the malleolus; is kitted according to a 'floating mesh' pattern, and has a smooth outer surface (opposite the skin). The second MS covers a region from the malleolus to the end remote from the toes; is knitted according to a 'weave mesh' pattern with weave fineness 240-600 dtex,and provides a mild compression in this region.

Description

The present invention relates to treatments for venous pathology, more specifically those using so-called compression or contention articles, and more particularly the field of manufacturing articles derived from actual articles of compression or compression themselves, in particular the manufacture of "sub-items", such as sockets for restraints.

By contention article in the sense of the present description means all compressive tubular orthoses made of a knitted elastic textile material, with the exception of bandages, and more particularly those compressive of one or two lower limbs. The "sub-articles" of contention within the meaning of the present invention are articles (typically socks, stockings, knee socks, tights and the like) intended to be threaded first and therefore to be in direct contact with the patient's skin. . Such articles are firstly intended to improve the skin comfort of the wearer but may also advantageously have different properties aimed, for example to provide a slight compression or to reinforce the restraining action of the main article. In any case, the main innovation of the aforementioned articles lies in the fact that they make it possible to bring to the user both ease of donning and increased comfort.

Indeed, the establishment on the members to be treated of high class compression articles, typically class 3 (strong compression between 27 and 48 hPa) or class 4 (extra-strong compression greater than 48 hPa) is still a real day-to-day problem facing patients and / or caregivers.

This problem is even more critical that a correct and regular implementation is essential to optimize compliance and therefore the chances of success of treatment prescribed by the doctor.

Difficulties related to the setting up are specific to the material or the textile material of high contention and can even, if necessary, be reinforced by a physically reduced state of the patient, in particular when the latter must apply itself said treatment .

Many types of mechanical threading devices are already known, in particular in the form of accessories generally for stockings, which are mostly expensive metal structures and complex handling. These devices are however not satisfactory, the residual efforts to provide the patient and the complexity of their use is still too important and therefore dissuasive.

There is therefore a real need for a simple and economical article facilitating significantly the establishment of the aforementioned articles of contention.

In addition, there are contention articles that can be used alone (for light compression) or in combination with a high-class restraining article to further enhance existing properties of the main restraint article. However, the operation of threading a conventional article of contention over another still today presents significant difficulties.

The present invention is intended in particular to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide such articles.

• une première structure pour une première zone dudit article ou sous-article qui s'étend de l'extrémité prévue pour les orteils jusqu'au niveau des malléoles dudit porteur, cette zone étant tricotée selon un motif dit de « maille flottée », ce dans une matière textile présentant une surface extérieure opposée à celle en contact avec la peau dudit porteur qui soit lisse,
• une seconde structure pour une seconde zone dudit article ou sous-article qui s'étend des malléoles précitées jusqu'à l'autre extrémité opposée à celle prévue pour lesdits orteils, cette zone étant tricotée selon un motif dit de « maille tramée », ce dans une matière textile élastique adaptée présentant un titre de trame compris entre 240 dtex et 600 dtex, de façon à procurer une légère compression ou contention au niveau de ladite seconde zone.

For this purpose, it relates to an article or sub-article of contention, which can be used alone or preferentially under a restraint article while being in direct contact with the skin of the wearer, characterized in that it is essentially knit with at least two different mesh structures, namely:

• a first structure for a first zone of said article or sub-article which extends from the end provided for the toes to the level of the malleoli of said wearer, this zone being knitted in a pattern called "floating mesh", this in a textile material having an outer surface opposite to that in contact with the skin of said wearer which is smooth,
• a second structure for a second zone of said article or sub-article which extends from the aforementioned malleolus to the other end opposite to that provided for said toes, this zone being knitted in a so-called "halftone mesh" pattern, this in a suitable elastic textile material having a weft count between 240 dtex and 600 dtex, so as to provide a slight compression or contention at said second zone.

It may be for such a "sub-article", an article placed, for example, under a stocking in the strict sense (covering the thigh and the hock), under a tights (covering the two lower limbs and the abdomen to the waist, in one piece), under a glue only leg, intended for the restraint of only one of the lower limbs) or under a sock (covering the hock alone).

The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which refers to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawing, in which the single figure is a standardized representation of the float mesh used for the manufacture of an article or sub-article of contention according to the invention.

• une première structure pour une première zone dudit sous-article qui s'étend de l'extrémité prévue pour les orteils jusqu'au niveau des malléoles dudit porteur, cette zone étant tricotée selon un motif dit de «maille flottée », ce dans une matière textile présentant une surface extérieure opposée à celle en contact avec la peau dudit porteur qui soit lisse,
• une seconde structure pour une seconde zone dudit sous-article qui s'étend des malléoles précitées jusqu'à l'autre extrémité opposée à celle prévue pour lesdits orteils, cette zone étant tricotée selon un motif dit de « maille tramée », ce dans une matière textile élastique adaptée présentant un titre de trame compris entre 240 dtex et 600 dtex, de façon à procurer une légère compression ou contention au niveau de ladite seconde zone.

According to the present invention, the article or sub-article of contention that can be used alone or preferentially under a restraint article while being in direct contact with the skin of the wearer is characterized in that it is essentially knitted with at least two different mesh structures, namely:

• a first structure for a first zone of said sub-article which extends from the end provided for the toes to the level of the malleoli of said wearer, this zone being knitted in a pattern called "floating mesh", this in a material textile having an outer surface opposite to that in contact with the skin of said carrier which is smooth,
• a second structure for a second zone of said sub-article which extends from the aforementioned malleolus to the other end opposite to that provided for said toes, this zone being knitted in a so-called "halftone mesh" pattern, in a adapted elastic textile material having a weft count between 240 dtex and 600 dtex, so as to provide a slight compression or contention at said second zone.

• la première rangée (1) est composée de mailles symbolisées par des « X », dont les boucles sont entièrement formées à toutes les colonnes,
• la seconde rangée (2) est composée de mailles dont les boucles sont entièrement formées aux colonnes paires (p) et dont les boucles ne sont pas du tout formées aux colonnes impaires (i), les boucles non formées étant symbolisées par un « - »,
• la troisième rangée (3) est à nouveau composée de mailles dont les boucles sont entièrement formées à toutes les colonnes et,
• la quatrième rangée (4) est composée de mailles dont les boucles sont entièrement formées aux colonnes impaires et dont les boucles ne sont pas du tout formées aux colonnes paires.

As shown in the single appended figure, it is for the so-called "floating mesh" mesh, a particular construction of knitting for obtaining, for example with a flat synthetic thread, a smooth outer surface. The basic pattern completely defining said float mesh is obtained in four rows of stitches:

• the first row (1) is composed of meshes symbolized by "X", whose loops are entirely formed at all the columns,
• the second row (2) is composed of meshes whose loops are entirely formed with the even columns (p) and whose loops are not formed at all at the odd columns (i), the unformed loops being symbolized by a "-" ,
• the third row (3) is again composed of meshes whose loops are entirely formed in all the columns and,
• the fourth row (4) is composed of meshes whose loops are entirely formed with odd columns and whose loops are not formed at all even columns.

Advantageously, the article or sub-article according to the present invention is characterized in that the smooth textile material used for the first structure is a synthetic textile material, preferably a flat, non-textured synthetic yarn and more preferably in combination with an elastane (elastomer fiber with high elasticity marketed especially under the brand Lycra).

In this way, it can be ensured that the side that will be in contact with the actual contention article will allow easy sliding (very low coefficient of friction) and thus easy threading of the latter on said sub-item.

Preferably, the article or sub-article according to the invention is characterized in that the smooth textile material used for the first structure is a polyamide in wire form.

As such, all the polyamides usually used in the textile field can be used for the manufacture of the article or sub-item according to the invention. As an indication, it will be preferred to use an inexpensive nylon, nylon 6,6 type or the like.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the textile material used for the second structure comprises at most 50% by weight of a natural textile material, such as cotton, linen or silk.

Thus, it becomes possible to increase the overall comfort of said article or sub-item, in particular by increasing the aeration of the foot in this area and thus reducing the problems related to perspiration.

Advantageously, the material used for the second structure is a modified synthetic textile material (for example chemically grafting the desired functional groups on the base skeleton of the polymer or copolymer constituting said synthetic textile material) having an improved physico-chemical property compared to the basic synthetic textile material, such as thermal insulation, water vapor permeability, bactericidal and / or fungicidal action, anti-odor effect, etc., improved.

So, it becomes possible to bring a feature additional to the object of the present invention and to propose a product more or less personalized according to the wishes of the patient and the recommendations of the attending physician.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the article or sub-item according to the invention is further characterized in that it comprises an alternating said heel knitted with a flat synthetic thread.

Such a heel, well known in the field of textile manufacture is preferably knitted with a flat synthetic thread. It has the particular advantage of further increasing the comfort for the wearer.

Alternatively, and according to another advantageous characteristic, the article or sub-article according to the invention is further characterized in that it comprises, at the level of the instep, a wider sectional area. It compensates and, relatively economically, the loss of comfort caused by the absence of alternative heel.

Preferably, the compression or compression exerted by the article or sub-item according to the present invention on the carrier at said first zone is less than 13 hPa.

Such a low compression is primarily intended to facilitate the donning of the garment while ensuring a sufficient maintenance in place and not, unlike the second zone, as a primary purpose to ensure a therapeutic effect at the foot even if such an effect may be used in some cases.

Advantageously, the article or sub-article according to the invention is further characterized in that the compression or compression exerted on the wearer at said second zone is between 13 and 30 hPa, preferably between 20 and 30 hPa.

This more moderate compression may be sufficient in less severe pathological cases in which higher class products are not needed.

Of course, this contention perfectly controlled may come to be added arithmetically to the compression or compression delivered by the real article of contention, for example by a compression stocking, including a contention stock class significantly higher.

More specifically, the article or sub-article according to the present invention is characterized in that it is a low, respectively a sub-base, a tights, respectively a sub-component. sticky, of a sticky, respectively a sub-monolayer, that is to say an article placed under a tights with a single leg, for the contention of a single lower limb or a sock, respectively d an under-sock.

The operation of the sub-item according to the invention is very simple and can greatly facilitate the implementation on said sub-article of other contention products much more difficult to put on their own. Indeed, it is enough to set up (to put on) the sub-article adapted to the desired effect in the usual way. Due to its low compression and its specific structure, no special effort is necessary for this purpose and this operation can be performed by the majority of patients. Then, it is sufficient to put on the actual compression product, which is greatly facilitated by the smooth surface of the sub-article already in place.

Thanks to the products and methods according to the invention, the therapeutic application of compression products (in particular of high or very high class) can be carried out without excessive effort, in a precise and reproducible manner so as to minimize the constraints which as a result, as well as their harmful effects (major efforts to be made, errors in installation, random follow-up or failure to comply with the prescribed treatment, etc.) and to guarantee the patient an effective medical treatment in accordance with the doctor's prescription.

The subject of the present invention is also a method of placing an article of restraint, characterized in that it consists essentially of placing on the part of the body to be treated, prior to the placement of said restraint article. , a sub-article according to the present invention.

In this way it is greatly facilitated the establishment of contention articles, in particular the implementation of those having a high class and can provide, if necessary, additional features to the patient.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and the accompanying drawing. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (12)

1. Retention or compression garment or undergarment that can be used alone or, for preference, under a retention garment and in direct contact with the wearer's skin, characterized in that it is essentially knitted with at least two different stitch work structures, namely:

   - a first structure for a first region of the said garment or undergarment which extends from the end intended for the toes as far as the ankle bones of the said wearer, this zone being knitted with a pattern known as "miss stitch" or "float stitch", and in a textile material that on the exterior surface, the surface opposite the one in contact with the skin of the said wearer, is smooth,

   - the second structure for a second zone of the said garment or undergarment which extends from the aforementioned ankle bones as far as the opposite end to the end intended for the said toes, this zone being knitted with a pattern known as "weft stitch", and in a suitable elastic textile material with a weft count of between 240 dtex and 600 dtex, so as to provide slight compression or retention in the said second zone.
2. Garment or undergarment according to Claim 1, characterized in that the smooth textile material used for the first structure is a synthetic textile material, preferably a non-textured flat synthetic yarn, and more preferably still, one combined with a spandex.
3. Garment or undergarment according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the smooth textile material used for the first structure is a polyamide or nylon in yarn form.
4. Garment or undergarment according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the textile material used for the second structure contains at most 50% by weight of a natural textile material such as cotton, linen or silk.
5. Garment or undergarment according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the textile material used for the first and/or the second structure comprises a modified synthetic textile material exhibiting a physico-chemical property that is improved with respect to that of the base synthetic textile material, such as improved thermal insulation, improved breathability, improved bactericidal and/or fungicidal action, and improved anti-odour effect, etc.
6. Garment or undergarment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has what is known as an alternative heel knitted with a flat synthetic yarn.
7. Garment or undergarment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compression or retention exerted on the wearer in the said first zone is lower than 13 hPa.
8. Garment or undergarment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compression or retention exerted on the wearer in the said second zone is between 13 and 30 hPa, preferably between 20 and 30 hPa.
9. Garment or undergarment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a stocking or an underhose, respectively.
10. Garment or undergarment according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is a pair of tights or an underhose, respectively.
11. Garment or undergarment according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is a one-legged pair of tights or a one-legged underhose, respectively, that is to say a garment placed under a pair of tights that has just one leg, intended to retain just one lower limb.
12. Garment or undergarment according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is a sock or an under sock, respectively.

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